Holy Communion

Holy Communion

The Eucharist is the source and the summit of the whole of the Church's worship and of the Christian life. As the Vatican Council's Decree on the Life and Ministry of Priests reminds us;

"every other sacrament, indeed every ministry of the Church, is linked with the Eucharist and is directed towards it .... for the Eucharist contains the entire spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ Himself".

It would be difficult to overestimate the power of this Sacrament to strengthen and to nourish our spiritual lives. Parishioners therefore, are encouraged to avail themselves of this Sacrament as often as possible. It is the duty of parents too, to participate in the sacramental programme provided by the parish, so that their children will be adequately prepared for their first reception of the Eucharist.

Any child attending school outside the parish but worshipping at All Hallow's is welcome, indeed encouraged, to receive First Communion with the parish group. All children intending to receive these sacraments in the parish group will be expected to follow the programme of preparation.

So that the Eucharist will be more readily available to people, the Church has authorised what are called Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. These are Religious, Acolytes or Special Ministers; lay people who can assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass, or in taking the Eucharist to sick or elderly people in their homes.

If you, or someone in your family is unable to attend Mass, whether temporarily or permanently, due to sickness or advanced age, please contact Fr. Greg and a minister of the Eucharist will be arranged to bring Communion to the home.